Staff Accountant

Ashley Northeast • Edison, NJ

2d • $95,000 - $115,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Factory Direct Enterprises LLC d/b/a Ashley (FDE) is seeking a hands-on, forward-thinking Staff Accountant to join our growing finance team. With 20+ retail locations across the tri-state area and continued expansion ahead, this position plays a critical role in managing the financial backbone of our multi-location retail operation. We're looking for a high-performing accounting professional who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and is ready to take on leadership responsibilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required; strong foundational accounting knowledge is essential for success in this role.
• 4–7 years of progressive accounting experience, ideally within a retail, multi-entity, or high-volume operating environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in month-end close, financial statement preparation, account reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, including hands-on experience with lease accounting under ASC 842 and fixed asset accounting.
• Experience utilizing and navigating multiple ERP systems, with the ability to troubleshoot issues, streamline workflows, and support system enhancements.
• Advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (pivot tables, complex formulas, data modeling) to support analysis and reporting requirements.
• Proven experience supporting or leading audit preparation, including developing schedules, reconciling supporting documentation, and interacting with external auditors.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor or train team members, reflecting readiness for a succession track into Accounting Manager.
• Strong analytical thinking with the ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable insights.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to support collaboration with leadership, store operations, auditors, and cross-functional partners.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in all accounting processes.
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with the ability to improve existing workflows and build scalable processes for a growing retail organization.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines while maintaining a high standard of quality.

Nice To Haves

• CPA credential or active progress toward CPA preferred, reflecting the technical depth required for GAAP compliance, lease accounting, audit leadership, and future managerial responsibilities.
• Experience with Power BI, Power Query, Power Pivot, or data warehouse reporting tools to support automation, dashboarding, and enhanced analytics.
• Background in sales and use of tax compliance or multi-jurisdictional tax filings.
• Exposure to new store accounting, lease review, and operational accounting in a multi-location retail model.
• Experience driving process improvements that increase accuracy, automation, or efficiency within accounting operations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute monthly and quarterly close activities in accordance with GAAP — including preparing and posting journal entries, reconciling and analyzing balance sheet accounts, and producing accurate internal financial statements and management reports.
• Analyze and explain budget-to-actual variances and period-over-period financial changes on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, providing clear, actionable insights to leadership to support business decision-making.
• Manage accounting activities related to new store openings, relocations, and monthly rent and occupancy cost analysis across all retail locations, ensuring accuracy and alignment with operational decisions.
• Oversee lease accounting under ASC 842, including evaluation of new and modified contracts, preparation of required schedules, and maintenance of accurate fixed asset records—additions, disposals, depreciation, and reconciliation.
• Prepare, file, and analyze multi-jurisdictional sales and use tax returns to ensure compliance with state and local regulations; proactively identify discrepancies or risk areas.
• Lead the annual audit process by coordinating directly with external auditors, preparing supporting schedules, and ensuring timely and accurate submission of all required documentation.
• Identify, design, and implement improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, automation, and scalability within accounting processes, ERP systems, and reporting tools.
• Mentor, train, and support accounting team members to strengthen overall department capability and develop future bench strength for leadership roles — supporting the succession path toward Accounting Manager.
• Partner with the Accounting Manager and VP of Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and ad hoc financial analyses that drive strategic initiatives, operational performance, and company growth.

Benefits

• Competitive Base Salary range between $95,000 - $115,000 annually based on qualifications and relevant experience.
• 401(k) Program with a company match.
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay, including your birthday.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits starting as low as $25 a week.
• Referral Bonuses: Earn up to $1,000 for referring qualified candidates for open positions.
• Competitive Advantage: Eligibility for the FDE G3 Profit-Sharing Program, designed to reward disciplined execution, responsible growth, and shared company success through annual incentive payouts.
• Employee Surveys
• Hope to Dream program
• Give a Day program
• Corporate Chaplains
• Life Resources
• Team Member Relief Fund
• SmartDollar: A FREE financial wellness program to help you budget, reduce debt, and save for the future.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level